Dragonˇs Blood Trees (Dracaene cannabari) are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet. Their closest relative is found the other side of the African continent in the Canary Islands. Men harvest the bright red resin of the Dragonˇs blood Tree every three to four years. Once known as Indian Cinnabar, it used as a natural dye. Small quantities are also used on the island to decorate pottery and as a medicine; women drink a decoction of it to stop internal haemorrhaging. It was widely used in Roman times as an antiseptic for wounds. For centuries, the best Italian violin-makers used it to stain wood. Socotra. Arabian island. Island biodiversity. Endemic trees. Dragonˇs Blood Tree. Unique biodiversity. Botanical curiosities. Resin dye. Cinnabar. Natural antiseptic.